Current Research Projects

 

 

Reworkable Polymer Networks

 

Crosslinked polymer networks are excellent materials for multiple applications. However, while their crosslinked structure gives the polymer networks many positive attributes, it also makes the polymer essentially intractable after the covalent crosslinks have formed. Therefore, it is exceedingly difficult to reprocess polymer networks once crosslinked without exposure to extreme degradation conditions.

 

ü      In our work, we create a crosslinked network that could show controlled disassembly upon stimulus.

ü      Controlled network disassembly could be invoked by the incorporation of two sterically hindered urea linkages into each crosslinker of the polymer network.

ü      We also study the reworkable behavior of similar crosslinkers but instead of having two sterically hindered urea linkages the crosslinkers only contain one such linkage.

 

 

 

 

Bioinspired and Biomimetic Materials Synthesis

 

Mineralization in vivo is a fascinating collection of processes, which lead to the formation of elegant species-specific structures with precise control. Biosilicification as seen in diatoms, sponges and grasses, is one example of biomineralization. In order to help provide an understanding of this complex process, various proteins have been isolated from the aforesaid biological systems and their ability to form silica in vitro from various silica precursors have been demonstrated. Some of these proteins were successfully sequenced and studied in detail for their role in biosilicification.


In our group at University of Cincinnati, we are investigating the silica nano particle synthesis at neutral pH and ambient conditions mediated by synthetic macromolecules and polypeptides that mimic the role of proteins. This understanding of particle synthesis us utilized in synthesis of Germania, Titanium and other particles.


Furthermore, we exploit this ability of synthetic macromolecules to design novel materials suitable for a variety of applications such as optical devices, photovoltaic devices, functional materials.

 

 For further details contact: Siddharth Patwardhan

 

Synthesis and Study of PMPS

 

 

·Synthesis of Stereo regular Poly (MehtylPhenyl Siloxane) (PMPS)

 

·Conformational Properties of Mehtylphenyl Siloxane (PMPS)

 

 

 

 

Plasma Polymerization

 

View Plasma Polymerization Reactor

 

·        Plasma Polymerized Thin Films For Opto-electronic Device applications:

 

Conjugated polymers are among the most promising organic materials for opto-electronic devices. In such applications the main fabrication problem is to get uniform, defect-free and reproducible thin films of these materials. We are using   a RF plasma reactor to produce cross-linked organic thin films from heterocyclic organic precursors.

 

·        Preparation of Light-emitting devices with poly (p-phenylene vinylene) and study of thermal elimination conditions of the PPV precursor on the film properties.

·        Preparation of photovoltaic materials.

 

For further details contact: Josh Hagen

 

 

Polymerization in Supercritical CO2

 

ü   Undertaken a study project on synthesis of Polydimethoxysiloxane (PDMS) - Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) core-shell particles in supercritical carbon dioxide (at University of North Carolina). View report of the visit.

 

ü   Currently working on synthesis of nano core–shell type particles in supercritical carbon dioxide and water micro-emulsions using novel surfactants.

 

For further details contact: Siddharth Patwardhan

 

Biomaterials

 

This site is maintained by Siddharth Patwardhan.

Last modified on 18th February 2003.